• Clarification - Wireless communication devices are not allowed; however, electronic scoring devices are permitted. No device on the field or in the dugout may be used as a means of communication. (Cal Ripken Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball, Babe Ruth Softball)

The International Board of Directors has approved the following rule changes/clarifications beginning with the 2020 season. (This change is not reflected in the 2020 Babe Ruth League, Inc. Softball Rules and Regulations Rule Book.)

Current Pitching Rule:

8.01: “The pitcher shall take a position with both feet firmly on the ground and with both feet in contact with, but not off to the side of the pitcher’s plate.”

8.02: “In the act of delivering the ball, the pitcher shall not take more than one step, which must be forward, toward the batter, and simultaneous with the delivery of the ball to the batter---The pivot foot must remain in contact with, or push off and drag away from, the pitcher’s plate prior to the front foot touching the ground, as long as the pivot foot maintains contact with the ground.”

Addition to the current pitching rules for the 2020 Season:

Pitcher’s Foot Placement:

The new addition will eliminate the requirement that a pitcher must have part of her pivot foot on top of the pitchers plate. Now, the pivot foot must only start in contact with the plate. This addition will also allow the pitcher to start with the non-pivot “stride” foot in contact with or behind the plate, and allows the pitcher to step back with the stride foot off of the plate; provided the stepback begins prior to the official start of the pitch, the separating of the hands.

With the new rule addition, Pitchers will have the choice to either continue with the current rule or to comply with the new addition. Both will be accepted as legal play and will not result in an illegal pitch scenario.

15 RUN RULE (Cal Ripken Baseball, Babe Ruth Softball 12U and Younger Divisions) Any tournament game for Cal Ripken Baseball or Babe Ruth Softball 12U and younger divisions must be terminated immediately if one team is ahead by fifteen (15) or more runs after two and one half (2 ½) or three (3) innings and each team has had equal times at bat.

Any tournament game for Cal Ripken or Babe Ruth Softball 12U and Younger Divisions must be terminated immediately once becoming regulation (3 ½ or 4 innings) if one team is ahead by 10 or more runs and each team has had equal times at bat, or the home team is leading.

15 RUN RULE (Babe Ruth 13-15 and 16-18 Baseball, Babe Ruth Softball 14U and Older Divisions - Any tournament game for Babe Ruth 13-15 or 16-18 Baseball, or Babe Ruth Softball 14U and Older Divisions must be terminated immediately if one team is ahead by fifteen (15) or more runs after three and one half (3 ½) or four (4) innings and each team has had equal times at bat.

Any tournament game for Babe Ruth 13-15 and 16-18 Baseball or Babe Ruth Softball 14U and Older Divisions must be terminated immediately once becoming regulation (4 ½ or 5 innings) if one team is ahead by ten (10) or more runs and each team has had equal times at bat, or the home team is leading.

Babe Ruth Softball Bats (Clarification) – Softball bats with an adjustable knob are allowed, provided the knob is permanently fastened by the manufacturer. Any devices, attachments or wrappings that cause the knob to become flush with the handle are also permitted.